Robert Glasper and Lalah Hathaway Performed at Blue Note

The jazz duo delivered an unrehearsed 90-minute concert during the annual Robtober residency in New York City.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Jazz

Robert Glasper and Lalah Hathaway Performed at Blue Note

Live Poll

Do you prefer the polished quality of rehearsed concerts or the energy of spontaneous live music?

Musicians Robert Glasper and Lalah Hathaway took the stage at the Blue Note jazz club in New York City for a spontaneous duo performance. The artists eschewed formal rehearsals, instead opting to improvise their arrangements throughout the 90-minute set.

Why it matters

The performance highlighted a shared musical philosophy that exceptional talent does not require traditional preparation. The show served as a centerpiece for the eighth annual Robtober residency, which continues to be a major fixture in the city jazz scene.

Lalah Hathaway holds five Grammy awards, while Robert Glasper is currently hosting his eighth annual Robtober residency. The concert, which began at 8 p.m., featured spontaneous arrangements of tracks like Stella By Starlight and No Lie.

The players

Robert Glasper

He is an acclaimed pianist and composer who is currently conducting his eight-week annual residency titled Robtober.

Lalah Hathaway

She is a celebrated singer-songwriter and five-time Grammy winner known for her extensive work in soul and jazz.

Meshell Ndegeocello

She is a multi-instrumentalist and artist who attended the performance and engaged with the duo on stage.

The details

The performance featured constant improvisation and interactive storytelling between the musicians and the audience. During the show, the duo navigated an interruption by a heckler and an appearance by attendee Meshell Ndegeocello, who joined the performers on stage.

The duo performed at the Blue Note in October 2026.
Robert Glasper released his album Black Radio in 2012.
Lalah Hathaway released her album VANTABLACK in 2024.

Industry Dynamics

This collaborative performance extends the genre-bending legacy of Robert Glasper's 2012 Black Radio album by prioritizing live spontaneity. It highlights a shift in the jazz industry toward long-form, multi-week residencies that emphasize performer interaction over rigid setlists.

Fans looking to attend future Robtober events at the Blue Note should monitor the club's schedule as the eight-week residency progresses. The informal nature of the sets means audience members can expect highly unique, non-repeating performances throughout the run.

The takeaway

The event demonstrated that artistic excellence can flourish without the safety net of rehearsals when performers share deep mutual trust. Attendees can seek out similar collaborative shows where improvisation is prioritized to experience the most authentic version of a live musical act.